I recently found out that when submitting for an audition in a town that I don't live in, to note that I will cover my travel and lodging expenses to the audition and that I will remain available during call backs. Is there other information that is important to include? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Acting : Helpful cover letter information by Wayne G Sweat
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Just my opinion, 1. Don't say you will cover your own travel. It makes you look like a desperate want to be actor instead of someone that has worked his craft and is worth bringing in. Also Casting don't care about these details. That is the producers deal 2. The only thing a cover letter should have in it is the information that shows casting you are the right guy for that role. Make it short and sweet. Casting does not have time to read your life story. Just my opinion and opinions are like belly buttons everyone has one. I wish you all the best in the new year
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Yeah, why offer a cost they maybe inclined to cover? K.I.S.S.
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I don't think I put either of those things on my cover letter to an honest.
leave it out. it's not relevant. I agree with Simon. Also, you don't really know how long callbacks will go on. I've cast projects where callbacks went for quite awhile, over a period of weeks. Commercials go really fast.. but narrative/fiction it can go on. Check this out: CASTING REVEALED: A GUIDE FOR FILM DIRECTORS. Good to get some perspective from the other side of the table. It's on Amazon.
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I have to agree with the above comments. You should never supplicate your self or abandon your professionalism for the sake of getting seen. Invariably many of these companies have budgets that provide for such expenses. If you are prepared to forsake these basic and necessary expenses, then what else are you prepared to abandon just for the sake of gaining an audition or working? Will you actually work for nothing? I don't say this to be overly critical or harsh of your approach to the business but all too often people provide their talent for little or no personal reward whilst others prosper from the ab-use of that personal talent. Be confident and take pride in your skill set, your experience and your professionalism. It is always worth remembering that a credit on a CV, that doesn't pay you and, in truth, actually costs you in out of pocket expenses doesn't actually pay the bills. Make sure that you highlight your creative value to the project, what you can bring from either your past or current experience and how you would enjoy the process and the project. Mention your worth as a team player, a person who isn't afraid to embrace the experience but overall let your CV and/or showreel do the talking for you. Good luck but, please, never compromise on who you are and what you have to offer either personally or professionally.
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Yes.... what Martin says. everyone is eager. ..they know you want the role.
I believe it's a given that when you go to a non-local audition you will always be paying your own travel except if you're being flown out to Hollywood via a major studio. Here's where my beef comes in: Too many productions never give those invaluable details regarding travel/lodging if cast. It's like pulling teeth most of the time. Also I find that people do not read emails in their entirety. I always state in my first sentence that I live elsewhere and ask about submitting a taped audition. They'll send the sides. I tape. They like it and then proceed as if they didn't realize I live in another state. Maddening!!!!
Not true Suzanne, If you are not local it is a given that production pay your travel. Many time actors that are not local will apply as local that is when you will have to cover out own expense. I rarely work in my home town and I have never had to pay my own travel
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I don't know if it's different in the US but in the UK very seldom would theatre audition travel be funded or subsidised, unless it is a recall and not held at a central location close to where you live. All attendance of auditions held in London would be deemed to be at the actors expense. Regional companies may well hold local auditions and other auditions in London. If after auditioning in London you were then invited to a recall at the theatre company's regional base then it would be a paid trip. Film castings, which invariably happen in London, do not pay for initial travel but, if recalled, will pay your travel and other expenses associated with such recalls.
Tom, are you referring to auditioning or actually having been "cast"? I was referring to the audition aspect only.